Thursday again

Officially Spring!  Although in Canberra tradition there will still be some cold days yet.
I find since having children Winter goes a little too long.
I am looking forward to clearing our deck,and spending many afternoons/evenings outside.  Kids can play and we will cook dinner on the bbq.

With winter passing, and many weeks without posting, I find I have missed recording TWO significant evens in our home.  Nicholas turned 11 in July, and Maggie recently had her third birthday! 
Her excitement and awareness of having a party that was all about her brought everyone joy!!

Monday

 

I watch Maggie.  I want to remember everything.  

For a while now she has insisted on being the one to say grace before our meals.  Initially it was “Jesus name, Amen!”.  Now other words pepper her prayer.  Food, Nan, toys, pop and gran.  

At night she insists on a story.  Although I know it is a delaying tactic, I never say no to reading her a story.  A love for reading is something I have actively tried to instil in each of my kids, and I value the opportunity to read through old favourites again, being able to see the joy captured in another child.

Maggie hugs her favourite doll, saying “shhhh” and rocking her.  Then she brings her to me and asks me to look after the doll (named Petal) as she has to go to work.  She puts a bag on her shoulder and blows a kiss, saying “luff you” as she walks away. I don’t know whether I find this endearing, or whether it makes me a little sad that it is routine for her.  

She picks up anything and pretends to talk on the phone, having very considered conversations, saying “uh huh” and nodding and pausing for periods as she “listens” to the voice on the other end.

I watch her and I want to bathe in the moment.  I look at Nicholas and Audrey and I see how quickly time goes.

Saturday

We spent some time this afternoon getting our winter vegetables planted.  After all, you can never have too much cabbage, spinach and brussel sprouts! ;)

Last week Maggie and I got a head start on some planting.  With dolls and play in the cubby house included.

Thursday

A Play School inspired activity... Maggie was in awe of a camera made from boxes and ribbon.

 

Rainy Friday

Friday

So, last paper submitted and returned (Distinction ;))
The best feeling is that tertiary study has finished in our household for the next little while.  After David's 7 year part time and my straight into one year I feel it was really taking its toll.

Now I am enjoying this. I want to live deliberately, starting with the small things, starting at home.  I get so much satisfaction from seeing the produce from our garden.

 

And loving my "cups of tea" with this girl.

 who loves to help in the garden.

 

 and today while Nicholas and Audrey were at school we made chocolate chip biscuits together for the first time.  She loved mixing with the beaters!

 It was a productive day :)

 

(a little in love with our IKEA spice jars and my retro label maker...)

 

For a long time I have picked up books like these ones, all with a similar theme... simplicity and a more thoughtful approach to living.  Now that I feel I can walk away from my working week each Wednesday, and not think about it again until Monday morning, I feel I am in the perfect position to make more of an attempt to put into practice what I am drawn to.